CONFIRMATION NAME of CHRISTIAN CETINA

BENEDICT

CHRISTIAN CETINA

Patron Saint - ST. BENEDICT

Benedict of Nursia (in Italian, Benedetto da Norcia) (480 A.D. - 547 A.D.) was a saint from Italy, the founder of Western Christian monastic communities, and a rule-giver for cenobitic monks. His purpose may be gleaned from his Rule, namely that "Christ ... may bring us all together to life eternal." He was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1220.

Benedict founded twelve communities for monks, the best known of which is his first monastery, at

Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. There is no evidence that he intended to found a religious order. The Order of St Benedict is of modern origin and, moreover, not an "order" as commonly understood but merely a confederation of autonomous congregations.

Benedict's main achievement is his "Rule", containing precepts for his monks. It is heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian, and shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master. But it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness (επιεικεια, epieikeia), and this persuaded most religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, the Rule of St Benedict became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. For this reason Benedict is often called the founder of western Christian monasticism.